The Naoetsu Basin is one of several oil- and gas-producing provinces in Japan where thick Neogene strata are deposited, and oil and gas are produced from both onshore and offshore shelf areas. It is believed that the Naoetsu Basin extends into deep-water areas, but exploration activities were limited until 2000, except for regional 2D seismic surveys. After acquisition of a 3D seismic survey in 2001, the first two wells were drilled in 2004 in the deep-water area of the Naoetsu Basin. One well encountered an oil zone. Multi-dimensional basin modelling was conducted to understand the petroleum system in the deep-water area of the Naoetsu Basin before and after the wells were drilled. The accuracy of basin modelling depends on the accuracy of the input data as well as the calibration process. However, even after the drilling campaign, only two wells were available in the deep-water area of the Naoetsu Basin. Therefore, the integration of various kinds of data, information and different techniques, such as 3D seismic, sedimentological and geochemical data, was carried out in this study. Development of sandstone networks, as well as the presence of major and minor faults, was identified on 3D seismic data. Oil and gas migration were constrained by geochemical data, such as carbon isotope on gases collected at the sea bottom and fluid inclusion chemistry. Understanding of the petroleum system was increased significantly by this kind of integration, although the deep-water area of the Naoetsu Basin still remains a frontier area for oil and gas exploration. It was found that the petroleum system active in the deep-water area of the Naoetsu Basin is very effective. Even though maturation of the source rock has occurred only since the Pliocene, oil and gas generated and migrated very rapidly, first horizontally along sandstone networks and then vertically through faults reaching a level just below the sea bottom, with the result that the hydrocarbon trap has leaked.

To reduce damage to the environment, both locally and globally, while meeting the rising demand for oil is a big challenge for oil companies. This presentation explores what has been done to protect the environment in Sakhalin II and Canadian oil sands projects, touching on the complexity of environmental issues and important roles which oil companies should play.Of the many environmental issues faced today, the risk of global climate change is now growing and generates enormous public interest. In the meantime, oil is projected to maintain a major position in supplying primary energy for a long time to come. To tackle this problem, increases in energy effi ciency and a shift to non-fossil fuels are of utmost importance.Along with these measures, gas fl aring reduction and carbon capture and storage CCS are also very effective ways to reduce global warming gas emissions.In spite of the efforts taken by individual oil companies, the amount of global gas fl aring still remains at a high level because of several constraints encountered in fl aring countries. While CCS is a very promising option for drastically reducing emissions if applied at large power plants which burn fossil fuels, there is still a long way to go for this option to be accepted as a reliable and affordable means.This presentation reviews international efforts to promote these two measures and provides information on how they are progressing in Russia, Nigeria, Canada and the EU. Lastly, the presentation highlights some specifi c topics in related international carbon reduction efforts including CDM, CCS EOR, emissions trading and increasing public awareness in environmental issues.The concluding message is that the challenge for sustainable energy development in the new century has already started, and the roles of oil companies are essential as a main player in the high energy society.

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